Halloween Costumes
A Quick Fix
Halloween is one of those holidays that some people plan for months in advance. They painstakingly assemble their costumes down to every detail and look fabulous… every year. However, if you are not that person, and advanced costume planning is never in the cards, a last minute Halloween party invite can cause more stress than a stock market crash. Do not fear, this year BerkshireStyle.com has you covered with our “quick fix costume guide.” These easy costumes take minutes and can be thrown together with things you already have. You probably won’t win any contests but at least you won’t be a ghost, for the fifth year in a row.
A Sailor – Who doesn’t love a sailor? This easy and comfortable costume is sure to get a few approving nods for creativity. You will need a white t-shirt you are willing to write on, blue duct tape (painter’s tape will work but not as well), a red permanent marker and blue or white pants. To make your shirt take the blue tape and outline a collar, if you are not sure what that looks like, Google away. Next use the red permanent marker to make red stripes, inside the collar, under your chin. If you’re feeling especially spirited, use washable marker to draw on some “Navy” tattoos. www.marthastewart.com
A Ski Bum – This is one of my personal favorites. Since Halloween is never warm in New England. you will need a thick wool sweater (bonus points if it is hideous and has neon colors), athletic pants or leggings, any type of winter hat, and goggles or sunglasses. Simply put everything on and use the words “dude” and “shred” as frequently as possible. The more ridiculous you are, the more authentic your costume becomes.
A Greek God or Goddess – You may have vowed to leave togas behind at college graduation, but let’s face it, they make great costumes and everyone has an extra bed sheet. You will need a full-size sheet, safety pins, and optional accessories, including gold jewelry and gladiator sandals. For a man fold the sheet in half lengthwise. Wrap the sheet around your waist, pinning the loose end securely. Take the extra hanging fabric and twist loosely a few times, pin that end behind your back. For ladies there are a few different ways to get a full coverage toga, this is my favorite. Note, if you are shorter, you may be able to use a twin sheet. Place your back in the middle of the sheet, like you would wrap yourself in a towel. While holding the corners, cross the sheet, making a small knot, and secure at your back. You will have bunched fabric just about your bust line, pull the fabric down so that it creates a bandeau, and voila! You have a maxi-dress worthy toga. Finish the costume with any accessories you may have.
A Lumberjack – Move over Brawny man, we have this costume covered. This is the ideal costume for a man with a beard; everyone knows lumberjacks have no time to shave. You’ll need a plaid flannel shirt, jeans and a toque (that’s Canadian for hat, the native land of lumberjacks). If you want to go all out you can add suspenders, work boots, and an axe. If you’re really lucky and the weather follows the pattern of the last two years, you’ll get to use your axe to chop all the trees blocking the road on your way home.
An Olympian – Remember that medal your kid won in last year’s spelling bee? You can finally get some use out of it with this Olympian costume. In addition to the medal, you’ll need a red, white or blue tracksuit (unless you are un-American, then any color, except purple, will work), sneakers and colored electric tape. Use the tape to put the letters USA on the back of your tracksuit, or whatever lesser country you’ve chosen, proudly don your medal. For added authenticity talk about the good times with Bruce Jenner all night, no matter your age.
If none of those suit your fancy, your trusted ghost costume is always an option. Whatever you do, have fun and remember a costume is only as good as the person wearing it.